The Columbia River Chieftains had already clinched the Class 3A Greater St. Helens League boys basketball title long ago.
This was about pride.
This was about going undefeated in league play.
The Chieftains did it, dominating Fort Vancouver in the second half for a 59-41 victory.
Rian Bassett connected on three 3-pointers and scored 19 points to lead Columbia River. Isaiah Smith added 18 points.
River led by a point at the half before holding the Trappers to eight points in the third quarter.
Loris Hervey led Fort Vancouver with 16 points.
Columbia River finished 10-0 in 3A GSHL play and will advance directly to the district championship game as the No. 1 seed.
After the game, Smith tweeted a challenge to the Columbia River baseball team: “Both football and basketball went undefeated in league. Now baseball needs to and we’ll be one of the most dominant classes in River history.”
Fort Vancouver will play Prairie on Feb. 5 in the district tournament. That winner will qualify for bi-district. The loser will be done for the season.
COLUMBIA RIVER 59, FORT VANCOUVER 41
COLUMBIA RIVER — Devin Bolds 7, Bryan Wyche 3, Nathan Hawthorne 9, Lance Voorhees 3, Torey Jones 4, Rian Bassett 19, Clark Bryant 0, Justin Gwinn 2, Dallin Scheidel 3, Isaiah Smith 18. Totals 24-46 (5-14) 6-9 59.
FORT VANCOUVER — Loris Hervey 16, Matt Delisle 4, Deonte Hawkins 9, K-Last Karue 0, Will Doty 0, Julio Montoya 0, Tre Eisenhut 6, Jacob Howard 0, GaQuan White 4, Taylor VanHeck 0, Jaquan Thomas 2. Totals 17-44 (1-7) 6-8 41.
Columbia River 14 10 19 16–59
Fort Vancouver 8 15 8 10–41
